William Hobbs Sleeper II

William H. Sleeper (99) passed peacefully on December 17, 2014 from metastasized prostate cancer at his retirement home in Mill Creek, WA.

Bill was born in Exeter, New Hampshire on August 5, 1915 to William H. Sleeper and Florence (Clark) Sleeper. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy and Williston Academy, graduating in Physics from Harvard University. As an electrical engineer, and radar and weapons system specialist, he worked at Foxboro Instrument, Sperry Gyroscope, Bendix Aviation, M.I.T., Caltech, General Electric, Boeing, and Raytheon, finally retiring in 1990 at age 75. Bill joined the Navy during World War II and served as radar maintenance officer on the U.S.S. Quincy both in the Atlantic and Pacific Theatres. His ship carried President Roosevelt to and from the Yalta Conference in Malta, then traveled through the Panama Canal to support military efforts in the Pacific until the war ended. During a 3-day shore leave in NYC, he married his "child bride" Norma Jean Pribyl, had a 1-day honeymoon, then shipped out to sea for 9 more months. He and Norma were happily married for 66 years until her death in 2011. Bill is survived by his two children, Barbara Sleeper and William H. Sleeper III, three grandchildren, Kelly (Citron) Galloway, David Citron and Josh Citron, and six great-grandchildren, Grady and Gretta Galloway and Paige, Claire, Noah and Sam Citron. A Celebration of Life Party will be held for Bill at Brookdale of Mill Creek at 14905 Bothell-Everett Highway at 1:00 pm on January 10, 2015. In lieu of flowers, please send charitable donations to the Community and Family Services Foundation to help foster children or the Port Townsend Aero Museum to help kids learn how to fly.

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Published by The Seattle Times on Jan. 4, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for William Sleeper

Sponsored by The Family.

10 Entries

Myself and my friend, Greta

Terry Parkhurst

April 20, 2015

Bill was a good man and remains an inspiration to me. As people age, many of them become parodies of their earlier selves; because they quit learning, quit growing. Bill was not a man to stay in the past. Indeed, his motto was: Never quit learning. I'm glad to have known Bill and learned the secret of staying forever young.

Skylar Hansen

January 23, 2015

I met Bill on a couple of occasions while my mother was a resident at the retirement home and immediately appreciated his keen intellect. His tireless efforts to encourage the other residents to remain engaged with the world through modern technology--an iPhone being always in his pocket or hand--was beneficial to many. He was a truly inspiring individual. Skylar H

imelda Flores

January 23, 2015

Condolence Barbara & family for the loss of your beloved.funny & caring father.We truly missed his sweet smile & funny jokes.Now he's rest in peace with your mom.Sorry again for your loss.

January 21, 2015

As a caregiver for Bill for almost 2 years, I can truly say I will never forget him. I feel so blessed to have met him and had many many great, enriching, special conversations with him. I'm so happy to know him and Norma are together again and Bill is out of pain. Love to All the Sleepers.

January 12, 2015

Barb, Bill, and Family: Your dad was an inspiration to so many. The bond of friendship our families have shared has been a blessing to all. Barb, we are always just a phone call away.
Pam Nagle, Arlene & Bob Chase

January 11, 2015

What a special man he was. I enjoyed getting to know him through Facebook. His posts were so inspirational and I always looked forward to receiving them.

January 10, 2015

We are thinking of you at this time. It is so difficult to lose a family member but we can find comfort in the memories of their life well lived. Our love to you.
Phil and Julie Hageman

Gary & Cherie Stolz

January 9, 2015

Barb,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss. Your dad was an amazing man and very lucky to have you for a loving daughter. In deepest sympathy. Gary & Cherie

Dick & Mary Murray

January 4, 2015

To Barbara & Bill: He was my best buddy, as you know, and our work together over the years amplified my utmost respect for his intelligence and inquisitivness. We will try to outgrow this hole in our lives.

January 4, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss! I feel very honored I was able to meet him.

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